Bhavnagar is primarily an industrial city and an important trading post for cotton products. Its commercial importance increased because of its proximity to the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea. Also called the City of Merchants, Bhavnagar was founded in 1723 AD by Bhav Singhji, a member of the Gohil Rajput clan which came to the Saurashtra coast from Rajasthan in the 12th century. It grew into one of the 15th richest princely states in India during the early 20th century.

A modern city today, Bhavnagar was once very much a princely state. Expect to see glimpses of history lying still between the bustle of the present. There are also some sights that will leave you agape, like the tides, which are among the largest in the world.

Marine life in the rocky shoals, extensive coastal bird-life including oyster-catcher and plovers, striped hyena and jackal in the coastal scrublands, wind sculptured rocks, lovely white sanded beaches and breathtaking sea views are just some of the sights waiting for your admiration.

Population: About 2,469,264

Climate: Bhavnagar has hot summers between April-June and pleasant winters between November-February. Monsoons visit during July and September. But being near the coastline, Bhavnagar tends to mostly be humid through the year.

Main Language(s): Gujarati, English and Hindi

Time Zone: GMT + 05:30

Phone Area Code: 0278

Best Time To Visit: Try and make a trip during the winter months. The summers tend to be quite harsh.

Airport Distance from City Center: 8 kms

Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Private taxis service available ar Rs. 100 and three wheelers at Rs. 60 to city centre

Darbargadh
One of Bhavnagar's older monuments, this old palace has beautiful and noteworthy arches, wood carvings and interesting architecture.

Takhatsinhji Hospital
If history interests you, then here is one that you can visit. This hospital was built between 1979-83 and was designed by Sir William Emmerson, the architect also famed for Calcutta's Victoria Memorial and Bombay's famous Crawford Market.

Takteshwar Temple
Take a trip to this temple situated atop a hilltop. The view from this historic temple is great. You can look across and see the entire cityscape all the way to the seacoast of the Gulf of Cambay.

Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti
This museum has a lot to offer those that are fascinated with the tangibles of the past. The museum has a collection of farming tools, beadwork, woodcarvings, weapons, and musical instruments amongst others. There are also reminders of Mahatma Gandhi's period when he was a student at the Bhavnagar University.

Victoria Park
A former game preserve, Victoria Park is filled with interesting birds and has some wildlife including blue bull, antelope, hyena, jackal etc. The marshes in the park attract many winter ducks. Take a walk to this place when you visit the palace.

Gaurishankar Lake
This makes for a good place to bird watch, especially if you like ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and wading birds. You can also get a peek at the lakeshore Bhav Vilas Palace, which used to be the club of the royal family, complete with sports complex and hunting trophies.

Lock Gate Door
A century old dockyard - one of the oldest operational dry docks in India, this place is now used to build ships and is the first of its kind in Gujarat. The seawater here is impounded by the lock gates which helps keep ships afloat during low tides. This sight can only be seen with special permission.

Palitana
A 56 Kms. drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya river flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples - 863 in all - that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making their contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. The architectural appeal of Palitana transcends religious boundaries and attracts tourists of all faiths.

Bhavnagar offers delightful local Gujarati cuisine and has a number of restaurants and eating points. Gogha Circle and Waghawadi Road are famous for their fast-food joints and restaurants.

Nilambagh Palace Hotel
Nilambagh
Bhavnagar

Blue Hill Hotel
Opp. Pill Garden
Bhavnagar

Greenland Restaurant
Crescent Circle
Bhavnagar

Mahavir Restaurant
Waghavadi Road
Bhavnagar

Nilgiri Restaurant
Hill Drive
Bhavnagar

Tulsi Restaurant
Kalanala
Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar celebrates all Indian ferstivals with equal fervour. Mahashivratri has a special significance here since the Takhteshwar temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. All night bhajans keep the devotees awake and there is the sound of religious fervour all around during this night.

Navratri in September/October, which is specific to Gujarat, is celebrated with traditional dances - the Dandiya and the Garba.